RISE - Menu Monitor

Menu Development |
Arby’s introduced its Market Fresh Reuben Sandwich for a limited time. The sandwich features classic-cured corned beef,
sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese on toasted marble rye market fresh bread. The sandwich will also be
available in a wrap through January 6. Both the sandwich and wrap is priced at $3.99. (Company Release 11/20/06)
Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. has started serving french fries with zero grams of trans-fat, making Arby’s the first national fast
food chain to eliminate trans-fat oils in its french fries. The new oil is set to be in all Arby’s restaurants by May 1. (Company
Release 11/28/06)
Arby’s announced that is switching to french fries with zero grams of trans fat by May 2007. The change will occur in two
phases, including the suppliers’ adoption of alternative oils for pre-processing and then the replacement at Arby’s units of the
hydrogenated corn oil the chain currently uses for frying. (NRN Daily NewsFax 11/29/06; Washington Post 11/28/06)
Arby’s added Flatbread Melts to its menu for a limited time. Varieties include Fajita Beef, covered with spicy Jack cheese and
red jalapeño ranch sauce, and Philly Beef, with melted Swiss cheese and Parmesan peppercorn sauce. (Company Release)
Arby’s debuted Spicy Cajun Fish Sandwich, consisting of a fish fillet topped with spicy Cajun tartar sauce, lettuce and tomato
and ñserved on a sesame-seed bun. The item is available for a limited time; diners can purchase either the Spicy Cajun or
Classic Fish Sandwiches at a price of $4 for two. (Company Website)
KFC, Arby’s, Carl’s Jr. and McDonald’s as well as many other chains are hopping on the Mexican-flavor bandwagon with new
items featuring chipotle, poblano peppers, spicy beans and cilantro. KFC introduced its Grilled Mexi Bowl featuring Mexicanstyle
rice, jalapeño pinto beans and pico de gallo relish; Arby’s is now offering a Santa Fe Salad; McDonald’s introduced its
Southwest Salad; and for years, Carl’s Jr. has featured items such as breakfast burritos. (Nation’s Restaurant News 5/21/07
p6)
Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. completed its switch to a zero grams trans fat cooking oil in all of its restaurants nationwide.
Instead of partially hydrogenated corn oil, the chain now uses non-hydrogenated corn oil. Over 70% of Arby’s menu items
contain 0.5 grams or less of trans fat. (Company Release 6/12/07)
Arby’s will introduce its new Popcorn Chicken Shakers on July 2 for a limited time. The item works like this: Patrons select
regular or large Popcorn Chicken Shakers, choose a sauce, pour the sauce over the Shaker cup, close lid and shake until
chicken is covered in sauce. The item will be available until August 18. (Company Release 6/29/07)
Arby’s introduced an Orange Cream Shake, mixing orange and silky cream flavors, for a limited time. (Company Website)
Arby’s introduced a Strawberry Banana Swirl Shake to its summer dessert menu. (Company Website)
Arby’s debuted Southwest Mini Egg Roll appetizers for a limited time. The bite-sized egg rolls are filled with chicken, bell
peppers, corn, black beans and jalapeño peppers flavored with a spicy Southwestern seasoning.Arby’s serves the item with
chile-lime ranch sauce for dipping. (Company Website)
Arby’s launched its Toasted Subs line, the company’s largest menu introduction since the 2001 rollout of its Market Fresh line.
Arby’s Toasted Subs feature four deli-inspired sandwiches, including the French Dip & Swiss Toasted Sub, with Arby’s roast
beef and melted Swiss cheese on a toasted ciabatta roll with au jus; The Philly Beef Toasted Sub, with Arby’s roast beef,
melted Swiss cheese, green and red bell peppers, roasted onions and roasted garlic sauce on a toasted ciabatta roll; Classic
Italian Toasted Sub, with ham, salami, pepperoni, melted mozzarella cheese, red onion, tomato, lettuce, red wine vinaigrette,
garlic mayonnaise and banana peppers on a toasted ciabatta roll; and Arby’s Turkey Bacon Club, with turkey breast, melted
Swiss cheese, pepper bacon, tomato, lettuce, red onion and herbed mayonnaise on a toasted ciabatta roll. (Qsrmagazine.com
10/1/07)
Franchise Activity |
Arby’s Restaurant Group signed deals with new and existing franchisees to open 51 new units. The outlets are slated for
Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and
Wisconsin as well as British Columbia, Canada. This brings Arby's total number of signed development agreements in 2006 to
168. It operates and franchises 3,500 restaurants worldwide. (Company Release 2/09/07)
Arby’s franchisee, The Restaurant Co., attributes much of its success to high hiring standards. Prospective employees
undergo a psychological profile, drug test and criminal background check in addition to going through several interviews. The
company also conducts employee satisfaction surveys twice a year. (Qsrweb.com 4/26/07)
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published.
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